Herbarium · Digestion

Karavellaka (Bitter Gourd)Kāravellaka

Reduces Pitta and Kapha; can aggravate Vata in excess.

Common name: Karavellaka (Bitter Gourd)
Sanskrit (IAST): Kāravellaka
Latin botanical: Momordica charantia
Form: Tablet (Vati / Guggulu)
Category tags: DigestionBitter · Cooling

Overview & dosha effects

Reduces Pitta and Kapha; can aggravate Vata in excess.

Traditional uses

The following are traditional Ayurvedic uses documented in classical texts and modern materia medica — not therapeutic claims for the treatment of disease.

·Traditionally used for blood-sugar regulation (type-2 diabetes adjunct)^[1]
·Traditionally used for blood purification and skin disorders^[2]
·Traditionally used for liver support and sluggish digestion^[3]
·Traditionally used for mild parasiticide^[1]

How it is taken

1 capsule (≈500 mg) once or twice daily before meals, or 30 ml fresh juice on an empty stomach. Usage: warm water.

Classical text references

^[1]Bhāvaprakāśa Nighaṇṭu
Described in the classical Ayurvedic materia medica of Bhāvamiśra (16th c.) with rasa, guṇa, vīrya, vipāka and traditional indications.
^[2]Dhanvantari Nighaṇṭu
Referenced in this classical dravyaguṇa compendium among named formulary herbs.
^[3]Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India
Modern government-endorsed pharmacopoeia (Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India) publishing quality standards and traditional uses.

Safety notes — read before use

Contraindications

As with all traditional herbs, avoid in active flare-ups of the condition you're treating and in anyone with a known allergy to the plant family. Stop and seek medical advice if you develop rash, breathing changes, swelling, digestive upset or any new symptom after starting.

✕Pregnancy — abortifacient in classical texts
✕Hypoglycaemia or with insulin/sulfonylureas without medical supervision
✕G6PD deficiency (favism risk from seeds)
✕Children, severe Vata depletion, post-surgery

Pregnancy & breastfeeding

Do not use in pregnancy or while breastfeeding without direct supervision by a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner and your GP or obstetrician. Many Ayurvedic herbs have not been studied in pregnancy and traditional cautions apply.

Drug interactions

May interact with prescription medications — especially blood thinners, blood pressure and diabetes medications, sedatives, thyroid hormones, immunosuppressants and drugs metabolised by the liver. Always share a complete list of herbs and supplements with your doctor and pharmacist.

Specific to Karavellaka (Bitter Gourd): Strong hypoglycaemic action — monitor blood sugar closely. Seeds contain vicine (favism risk in G6PD deficiency).

Allergies

Cucurbitaceae family — cross-reactivity with cucumber, melon, pumpkin possible.

This is educational information, not a prescription. Consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner (vaidya) and your GP before starting any herb, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, under 18, over 65, take prescription medication, have a chronic condition or are scheduled for surgery.

Classical alternatives

Guduchi or Neem for Pitta-friendly blood purification; Methi (fenugreek) for milder glycaemic support.

References

[1]Bhāvaprakāśa Nighaṇṭu — Described in the classical Ayurvedic materia medica of Bhāvamiśra (16th c.) with rasa, guṇa, vīrya, vipāka and traditional indications.
[2]Dhanvantari Nighaṇṭu — Referenced in this classical dravyaguṇa compendium among named formulary herbs.
[3]Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India — Modern government-endorsed pharmacopoeia (Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India) publishing quality standards and traditional uses.

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